Michael,

It's been two years already. I can't believe it. I feel your absence everyday. Mainly because I have to deal with our parents alone, but also because the grief is at times unbearable. You would be proud of Ary. She is a star in volleyball and a Grade A smart ass. Right in your footsteps. Lulu is also a member of the Hitler Youth. Another notch in your belt. I can't begin to articulate the pain that our family has endured after you died. It has changed everything. But you would be happy to know that we are somehow plugging along. We are not the same. And we are forever scarred. But we are going to be ok. And I know that's what you wanted. I'm so sorry you didn't get to see my girls grow up. You know they loved you so much, I mean, you basically undermined every fucking thing I ever tried to teach them. So what's not to love?

But seriously, you are so loved and so remembered. Your nieces not only honor your smart ass memory, but they further the obnoxiousness. I'm constantly telling them how annoying they are, just like I use to tell you. 

We miss you. We love you. We will never ever forget you. Thank you. - Sha

I have known Michael since high school.  He is the son of two of the greatest neighbors anybody could have.  Michael and I had very many hours of conversation, and he was always upbeat and excited about whatever he was doing.  in the beginning we  talked about lacrosse.  We talked about his biological father in Chicago, his school, his work.  We talked about his driving when he got his car.  In the beginning I didn't know about his epilepsy....he just never mentioned it.  Then we talked about it a lot.  He was very excited about the epilepsy camp that he participated in.  He was excited about his success in raising money in support of it.  He did quite well with that.

Michael was always interested in what I was doing and how my two boys were doing.  He was always smiling and engaging when he was talking to me.  That is what I remember most.  He loved his mom (Amelia) and dad (Matthew).  He loved being an uncle.  He loved his sister.  He loved the freedom that came with being able to drive.  He was interested in my work and offered to help me with it.

I was always happy to see Michael when I would drive home and see him next door.  We would invariably sneak in a few minutes for the topic of the day.

He will be missed by many!!!

 

Michael McGrann was a man of many words. He was a dear friend inside and out side of work. The conversations we had will never be forgotten. It did not matter how hectic things were Michael and I could always sit back and make a joke about something to lighten the mood. Michael was always willing to train someone at work without even being asked. I moved apartments twice while knowing Michael and he was the first to volunteer to help and the first one to show up and last to leave both times. He was one of the very people I could call a true friend just for simply being a man of his word. He will forever be in my heart and memories will be never forgotten.